Cape Verde representative calls for stimulation of volunteering

July 28, 11:41

The head of state also noted the need to strengthen the civic activity of the population in various spheres, especially concerning democracy, freedom, and human dignity. He recalled the fifty-year journey of the Cape Verde Red Cross (CVCV), which has proven itself an indispensable partner to the state and communities.

According to the president, the Red Cross has always provided assistance in healthcare, education, natural disasters, and storms, attracting a large number of young volunteers who actively contributed to strengthening solidarity and community development.

Ceremony and New Priorities

During the ceremony, the head of state transferred authority to Arlindo de Carvalho, who was re-elected as president of the CVCV for a four-year term, and also handed over powers to the vice-president and members of the High Council. During the event, Arlindo de Carvalho presented the main directions of work for the new period.

He reported that all these directions are closely linked to communities and people, based on the current situation. Among the priority areas named were health and well-being, good governance, strengthening institutional capacity, and, above all, financial and institutional sustainability.

Volunteering Legislation Reform

Earlier, in July, the Minister of Family, Integration, Social Development, and Labor, Adélsia Almeida, announced that the government is considering revising the Volunteering Law, which has been in effect for 16 years. The goal is to analyze the document with partners and adapt the regulatory framework to new social realities.

The minister also plans to revive the proposal to create a 'volunteer passport'. This document is intended to register volunteer participation, recognize their experience on resumes, and provide them with benefits, including preferential access to goods and services.

Donan Foundation Initiatives

Ana Hopffer Almada, president of the Donan Foundation of Cape Verde, which launched the foundation's volunteering program, stated that the goal is to expand the circle of participants. She noted that they decided to officially formalize this program, create a volunteer card and a database to increase the visibility of volunteers, as they require many volunteers.

noticiasaominuto.comJuly 19, 13:12

Carlos Vila Nova appeals to voting and criticizes electoral blockades in São Tomé and Príncipe

After participating in a vote at a campus of the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova made statements to journalists, emphasizing that electoral blockades constitute a 'misused right.' He specifically addressed two locations near the capital where there was an electoral boycott.

Appeal to Civic Duty

The head of state, who is seeking re-election, appealed to all citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe to fulfill their civic duty to vote. Vila Nova stressed that São Tomé and Príncipe is recognized for respecting democratic institutions and electoral results, highlighting that the people possess a culture of peace, harmony, and good social coexistence.

He argued that all political parties have the responsibility to maintain this stability and peace, warning that no one should compromise this cohesion. Regarding the blockades recorded that morning, he reiterated that voting is a fundamental constitutional right, allowing citizens to choose who will renew the mandates of the country's political institutions.

Consequences of Abstention

Vila Nova warned that choosing not to vote is equivalent to agreeing with the decisions made by others on behalf of the voter. Meanwhile, the president of the National Electoral Commission (CEN) reported that the first hours of the presidential elections in São Tomé and Príncipe were marked by low turnout and the two blockades located south of the capital.

The CEN president added that in other areas, voting had not yet begun, not due to blockades, but because voters were gathered near the ballot boxes without exercising their right to vote. However, he expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved throughout the day.

Election Details

According to the CEN, there are a total of 358 polling stations scheduled for this election: 287 in São Tomé and Príncipe (distributed across six districts of São Tomé and the Autonomous Region of Príncipe), and the rest spread across Europe (32 in Portugal) and four African countries.

More than 142 thousand voters are called upon to decide on the next President of São Tomé and Príncipe, in a tense political scenario but without major incidents. The closing of the polls is scheduled for 18:00.

Candidacies and International Observation

The four candidates contesting the office include the current President, Carlos Vila Nova, whose main rival is Nito d'Abreu. Eugénio Tiny and Miques João are the other contenders, although they lack party support and their campaigns were practically nonexistent. Jorge Bom Jesus formalized his candidacy but later announced his withdrawal, even though he was outside the legal deadline, which will cause any vote for him to be considered null.

Several international missions are monitoring the Sunday presidential elections in São Tomé and Príncipe, including representatives from the European Union, African Union, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), G-7+ countries, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Network of Judicial and Administrative Bodies of Portuguese Speaking Countries (ROJAE-CPLP).

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